Speckled Kingsnake

Common Name: Speckled Kingsnake
Scientific Name: Lampropelitis getula holbrooki

Information Sheet - Speckled Kingsnake

Description:

Adorned with shiny, smooth scales, the body coloration is dark brown or black, with speckles of white or yellow spots. The back sometimes bears spots that are elongated to narrow bars. The belly has black markings that are irregularly patterned, and are yellow. Adults quite resemble their young, while adults measure 36-48 inches long on average. This snake is known to be aggressive, although if husbanded from infancy to maturity, they are less so to their owners.

Common name:

The speckled kingsnake is otherwise known as the Salt and Pepper Kingsnake. Its scientific name is Lampropeltis getula holbrooki

Geographic Range:

Southeastern United States is the favored home for the Speckled Kingsnake, in its deciduous or pine woodlands.

Habitat:

Wooded areas, mainly forests harbor these snakes, along with pastures, prairies, and marshes. The kingsnakes are normally active in the months of November through to March, and breed early in the spring season. Other areas to find this reptile are close to cattle streams and tanks, and in open pastures.

Behavior:

Like all other kingsnakes, the speckled kingsnake is a constrictor; it feeds on a diet of other snakes, birds, lizards and small rodents. It is particularly noted for its capability to feed upon venomous snakes.

Reproduction:

The speckled kingsnake lays eggs that number about six to fourteen, under plant material that is decaying, under rocks, beneath stumps, and underneath fallen logs. These eggs then hatch in the late summer season months. The resultant hatchlings measure eight inches long. After this period, mating ensues with the introduction of a speckled kingsnake of the opposite sex. Later, shedding is experienced and the eggs hatch nine weeks later.

Captivity:

It is docile if bred in captivity, though special care should be maintained during feeding. As with normal Colubrids, there is a cooling period of about three months, while desisting from feeding for about two weeks, where temperature should be dropped to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, then also reduce the light intensity.